G20 summit

Ahead of G20 summit, EU sees itself as ‘global point of reference’

The two EU presidents said their priorities for the summit include free trade, spreading economic benefits, free trade and fighting terrorism.

By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN

The EU has become a “global point of reference” for liberal democracy, human rights and free trade, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Council President Donald Tusk said Wednesday ahead of the G20 gather of world leaders.

Since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, Juncker and Tusk, who will represent the EU at the summit in Hamburg later this week, have moved aggressively to position Europe as a beacon of liberal internationalism and a chief promoter of global free trade.

As evidence of this continued push, Juncker and Tusk will host a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, as part of an effort to conclude a sweeping free trade agreement, before the three leaders travel to Germany for the summit.

In a letter to colleagues laying out their priorities for the summit, Juncker and Tusk wrote: “The EU has become a global point of reference for all those who value the principles of liberal democracy and human rights, free and fair trade or concrete actions in facing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, terrorism and illegal migration.”

“A strong and determined Union is the best way to promote our values and interests, to support a rules-based multilateral system, and ultimately to protect and defend citizens.”

The two presidents outlined nine top priorities for the summit, including a push to make sure the improving global economy benefits everyone. “Many citizens in Europe and elsewhere still feel left behind by the economic recovery and are apprehensive with globalization,” they wrote.

Other goals included promoting free trade and digital growth, combatting climate change, curbing tax avoidance, fighting terrorism, aiding refugees, promoting development in Africa, and strengthening the international financial system.